WIRELESS COMMUNICATION APPARATUS AND COMMUNICATION CONTROL METHOD - According to one embodiment, a wireless communication apparatus includes: a wireless communicator configured to perform near field communication with a target communication appliance; a direction detector configured to detect a direction in which the wireless communicator is placed; a calculator configured to calculate the difference between this direction and a direction in which the target communication appliance is placed according to the result obtained by communication regarding the direction with the target communication appliance; and a storage configured to store the difference between the directions at the time of near field communication and an application program to be used for the near field communication while a correspondence is made therebetween, wherein the wireless communicator performs near field communication with the target communication appliance using the application program depending on the difference between the directions calculated by the calculator.

METHOD, APPARATUS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR BROADCASTING IN SHORT-RANGE COMMUNICATION - Method, apparatus, and computer program product example embodiments establish a broadcast operating mode on a Bluetooth Low Energy data channel by creating operating parameters for a data channel broadcast connection. Then data channel broadcast connection parameters are transmitted to other devices indicating the data channel broadcast connection and the operating parameters associated with the data channel broadcast connection are transmitted on a Bluetooth Low Energy advertising channel. Then information on the Bluetooth Low Energy data channel broadcast connection to the other devices, according to the operating parameters associated with the data channel broadcast connection. The bit rate of the Bluetooth Low Energy data channel used for broadcasting is not constrained by the required limits placed on the bit rate in the Bluetooth Low Energy advertising channels.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOTELY CONTROLLING CONSUMER ELECTRONICS DEVICE BY USING WIRELESS PERSONAL AREA NETWORK - A method and apparatus for communicating with a target device in a personal area network (PAN), when a multi-function remote controller (MRC) is outside the coverage area of the target device. The apparatus includes a proxy device which automatically forms a virtual PAN by setting up a pairing link with the target device to control the target device. Accordingly, a user may continuously control the target device irrespective of the location of the MRC.

2012-08-02

20120196537

Communication Method, Communication System and Communication Apparatus - When wireless communications are performed with other communication devices, an inquiry message to discover other communication devices residing in the vicinity is wirelessly transmitted by having communication ranges altered at a plurality of stages; response messages to the transmitted inquiry message are received; information relating to a receiving state or frequency of receipt of the response messages from the respective communication ranges is preserved with respect to each communication device which is a source of the response message; and based on the preserved information relating to the receiving state or the frequency of receipt of the response messages a communication device to be a connection object for wireless communication is selected. By doing so, when short-range wireless communications are performed, communication services can be performed appropriately between required devices.

2012-08-02

20120196538

HANDS-FREE DEVICE - The invention relates to a device of the type commonly known on the market as “hands-free”, i.e. devices that do not require input from the hands (fingers) in order to function, which has the essential feature of the device being installed, in one of the preferred embodiments thereof, inside a helmet, this embodiment applying to persons driving a vehicle with two or more wheels, to cyclists, skiers and other users of any type of helmet. Furthermore, the device of the invention may be used, in addition to being used for communication between passengers in the same vehicle, for communication between passengers in different vehicles or as a means of communication between two users who are walkers, cyclists or participants in other sports.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A BLUETOOTH-ENABLED HEADSET WITH A MULTITOUCH INTERFACE - In one embodiment, a method includes pairing an auxiliary device with a host device and controlling at least one function associated with the host device using a touch-sensitive interface of the host device. The touch-sensitive interface has a first axis and a second axis, and pairing the auxiliary device with the host device includes enabling the auxiliary device to communicate wirelessly with the host device. The at least one function is controlled by at least one gesture physically applied on the touch-sensitive interface along at least one of the first axis and the second axis.

2012-08-02

20120196541

ENVIRONMENT ESTIMATION IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A method and system are described for estimating an environment surrounding a wireless communication system, the environment including at least one in hector that inflects transmitted signals. An observation generator receives an input signal transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver via a wireless communication channel and also receives system state information pertaining to at least one of the receiver, the transmitter and the inflector. An observation processor uses observations from the observation generator to estimate at least one property of the inflector based on the received input signal and the system state information.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING WIRELESS DEVICE USE IN A VEHICLE - Systems and methods for controlling use of a wireless device within a vehicle include emitting a mimic signal from a control unit so that the wireless device registers with the control unit rather than an external network are described. The control unit selectively allows wireless communications sessions between the wireless device and an external network based upon at least one predefined rule. Other embodiments are also described.

2012-08-02

20120196545

ANTENNA ARRAY AND METHOD FOR SYNTHESIZING ANTENNA PATTERNS - An antenna array having a plurality of antenna elements is disclosed. The antenna array comprises: a plurality of transceiver modules; an active antenna element subset of the plurality of antenna elements, wherein the active antenna element subset comprises at least one active antenna element being actively coupled to an associated transceiver module of the plurality of transceiver modules; and at least one passively combined sub-array of at least two antenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements. A method for generating antenna patterns with the antenna array is also disclosed.

2012-08-02

20120196546

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING TRANSMISSION POWER - A system and method for measuring transmission power distortion in a wireless communication device are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises reading an operating temperature of the wireless communication device and enabling a loopback path between a transmission circuit and a receiver circuit of the wireless communication device. Using the loopback path, the wireless communication device can calibrate the transmission power output by storing data for compensating the distortion of the transmission power. The data can be stored in a calibration look up table for use by the wireless communication device.

2012-08-02

20120196547

Calibration of a Receiver for Channel Equalization Using a Transmitter - Aspects of a method and system for compensating for using a transmitter to calibrate a receiver for channel equalization are provided. Various embodiments of the invention may be applicable wireless devices in TDM systems, Bluetooth, and/or WLAN applications, for example. Transmit tones may be generated by a transmitter PLL and the baseband response may be measured for each of the injected tones. The tones may be swept over a frequency range and a corresponding oscillator signal may be mixed with the received signal to determine the response of, for example, the receiver filters. Adjusting any of a plurality of receiver and/or transmitter parameters based on baseband measurements may provide appropriate channel compensation or calibration. Accordingly, the baseband circuitry may generate equalization signals, which may be utilized to adjust receiver and/or transmitter circuitry. This approach may be provide I/Q balancing and transmit filtering calibration after receiver calibration is completed.

2012-08-02

20120196548

System and Method for Operational Parameter Selection to Avoid Interference in a Wireless Communication System - A wireless communication device uses operational parameters stored in a capabilities list to control operation of the device. The device may also provide auxiliary services, such as reception of broadcast television signals and location detection using network assisted GPS. When auxiliary services are selected, the cellular operation may cause interference with the auxiliary services. The wireless communication device includes a reduced set of capabilities to control operation of the wireless communication device when an auxiliary service is requested. The particular set of reduced capabilities may depend on the specific type of auxiliary service that has been requested. Upon termination of the auxiliary services, the full capabilities list may be restored and the operation of the wireless communication device is thereafter controlled by the full set of operational capabilities.

2012-08-02

20120196549

COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A communication device includes a first antenna, a second antenna, a power splitter, a switch, and a sensor. The power splitter is electronically connected to the first antenna and the second antenna. The switch is connected to the first antenna and the power splitter. The sensor is installed near the first antenna and may sense a user's body within close proximity. The sensor generates an interrupt signal when sensing a user's body within close proximity. The switch is electronically connected to the power splitter rather than the first antenna in response to the interrupt signal. The switch is electronically connected to the first antenna rather than the power splitter when the interrupt signal is terminated.

2012-08-02

20120196550

APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE AND SIGNAL PROCESSING METHOD - An apparatus for a vehicle. A charging module provides a charging function in a wired or wireless manner to charge up a portable electronic device. A transceiver module receives signals from the portable electronic device and transmits enhanced signals through an air interface. A signal repeating unit receives the signals and enhances the signals to generate the enhanced signals.

2012-08-02

20120196551

COMMUNICATION RECEIVER ENHANCEMENTS USING MULTI-SIGNAL CAPTURE - A method and apparatus is disclosed to determine communications receiver parameters from multiple channels of a received communications signal and to configure and/or adjust communications receiver parameters to acquire one or more channels from among the multiple channels of the received communications signal. A communications receiver observes a multi-channel communication signal as it passes through a communication channel. The communications receiver determines one or more communications receiver parameters from the multiple channels of the received communications signal. The communications receiver configures and/or adjusts communications receiver parameters to acquire the one or more channels from among the multiple channels of the received communications signal.

POWER MANAGEMENT OF RADIO TRANSCEIVER ELEMENTS - A radio receiver includes a power control module for selectively powering down and powering up radio receiver elements in between known communication periods according to one aspect of the present invention. According to a second aspect of the invention, the radio receiver operates in a low power mode of operation and periodically “sniffs” to determine whether an access point has messages or communication signals to transmit to it.

2012-08-02

20120196554

High Dynamic Range Time-Varying Integrated Receiver for Elimination of Off-Chip Filters - A receiver circuit includes a quadrature passive mixer, a first charge load, and a second charge load. The quadrature passive mixer has a differential input for receiving a differential input signal, and arranged for mixing the differential input signal with a quadrature local oscillator (LO) signal. The quadrature passive mixer has an in-phase mixer with a differential in-phase output, and a quadrature-phase mixer with a differential quadrature-phase output. The first and second charge loads are coupled to differential in-phase output and differential quadrature-phase output, respectively. In every quarter cycle of the quadrature LO signal, the differential in-phase output and the differential quadrature-phase output are arranged to be not shorted so as to avoid charging sharing between the first charge load and the second charge load, or are arranged to be shorted to cause charging sharing between the first charge load and the second charge load that generates a leakage path.

2012-08-02

20120196555

SEMICONDUCTOR INTEGRATED CIRCUIT AND OPERATION METHOD OF THE SAME - The present invention is provided to shorten the period of DC offset cancellation operation. One of terminals of two calibration resistors is connected to the differential output terminals of an active low pass filter having a filter process and an amplification function, and two input terminals of a voltage comparator and two terminals of a switch are connected to the other terminal of the two calibration resistors. In a calculation period of calculating digital control signals for reducing DC offset voltage, the voltage comparator detects calibration voltage depending on a voltage drop of one of the calibration resistors caused by analog current of a digital-to-analog converter. In a calibration period of reducing the DC offset voltage, the calibration analog current of the digital-to-analog converter responding to the digital control signal is passed to the input side of the filter via the switch.

2012-08-02

20120196556

Fire alarm text response system - A computer software and hardware system for fire stations is described which provides communications utilizing SMS (Short Message Service) cellular phone text messaging automatically notifying firemen or other personnel of an emergency page when their dispatch pages them via radio dispatch or by other means. Responses from this SMS text message are replied to via SMS text messaging with a code letter and their response is displayed on a screen at their station so other responding firemen know if, who, and where other firemen are responding. Users can also opt to automatically receive on their cell phones an MMS (Multimedia Message Service) message containing a multimedia sound recording of the actual emergency dispatch voice page.

2012-08-02

20120196557

EMERGENCY CALL ANALYSIS SYSTEM - A method for predicting a survival rate among individuals, where the survival rate depends in part on a responsiveness of emergency personnel, and the responsiveness of the emergency personnel depends in part on an amount of time taken to route an emergency call to a primary emergency response center, includes determining, by a computer system, a number of emergency calls initially routed to a primary emergency response center. The computer system determines a number of emergency calls initially routed to a secondary emergency response center that, in turn, routes the emergency calls to the primary emergency response center. The computer system calculates a survival rate amount individuals according to a function of the determined number of the number of emergency calls initially routed to a primary emergency response center and the number of emergency calls initially routed to a secondary emergency response center. The calculated survival rate is displayed on a terminal.

2012-08-02

20120196558

EMERGENCY CALL ANALYSIS SYSTEM - A method for communicating information associated with emergency calls communicated to emergency response centers includes receiving, by an emergency call analysis system, emergency call information that defines an emergency call communicated to an emergency response center within a geographic region. The emergency call information includes location information of the emergency call. The emergency call analysis system may then determine statistical information associated with emergency calls made within a geographic region. A computer server may then generate browser code executable by a browser to cause the browser to display the statistical information.

2012-08-02

20120196559

Notification Method, System and Apparatus for an Emergency Area ID - The disclosure provides a notification method for an Emergency Area ID, including: an evolution node B (eNB) acquires an eNB-supported Emergency Area ID and an E-UTRAN cell global identifier (E-CGI) list included in it, and when S1 is set up, carries the acquired emergency area ID and the E-CGI list included in it in an S1 setup request message to transmit to a mobility management entity (MME); the MME stores the received emergency area ID and the E-CGI list included in it. The disclosure further provides a notification system for an Emergency Area ID. With the disclosure, the complexity of manual operation and the error rate are decreased, the reliability and operating efficiency of the system are improved, and the stability and maintainability of the system are enhanced.

2012-08-02

20120196560

eCall device switching procedure - A method of performing a switching procedure of an eCall device from a first state of activity to a second state of activity whereby details of the switching procedure are preferably stored in a report file. The report file is preferably stored in a storage unit which can be part of a database. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an eCall device being adapted for performing a switching procedure from a first state of activity to a second state of activity and relates to a backend unit being adapted for supporting a switching procedure of an eCall device from a first state of activity to a second state of activity. Beyond the present invention relates to an eCall system being adapted for performing a switching procedure of an eCall device from a first state of activity to a second state of activity.

2012-08-02

20120196561

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING MOBILE STATION DISCONNECTED FROM A BASE STATION IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A method and apparatus support a Mobile Station (MS) located in a collapsed cell area to be disconnected from a Base Station (BS) in a wireless communication system. A method of an MS for supporting an disconnected MS disconnected from a BS in a wireless communication system includes receiving a rescue signal from the disconnected MS; collecting information to determine a support MS for the disconnected MS; and transmitting the collected information to a serving BS.

2012-08-02

20120196562

Methods, Systems, and Products for Emergency Location - Methods, systems, and products provide emergency location services for mobile devices. A communication is received to a 911 emergency address. A code is received during the communication to block emergency location services. The emergency location services are blocked in response to the code.

2012-08-02

20120196563

PLAN STRENGTH METER FOR A MOBILE DEVICE - A method and apparatus for tracking user activity on the mobile device, such as voice calls, SMS messages and data downloads. The user activity is tracked against a mobile device plan, which sets limits on the amount of user activity which can take place in a given time period. The amount of activity consumed by the user during the given time period, and how much activity is available for the remainder of the time period is visually indicated on a graphical indicator of the mobile device.

2012-08-02

20120196564

Hands Free Calling System for Telematics Users Using A Network-Based Pre-Pay System - The described invention provides a method and system for allowing subscribers of a telematics service provider (TSP) to make hands-free phone calls within their vehicles through a telematics unit over a network or hardware-based pre-pay system, wherein the telematics unit or a wireless network provider associated with the TSP controls the ingoing and outgoing hands-free calling (HFC) processes. The wireless network provider, through its system at a remote call center or through the telematics unit, may determine whether the subscriber has subscribed to the TSP's HFC service, whether the subscriber has a sufficient remaining balance to initiate, receive or continue a call, and whether a user of the telematics unit is “roaming.” When a user attempts to make or receive a call through the telematics unit, the wireless network provider or the telematics unit may handle the incoming or outgoing call processing, and may further provide subscriber account balance notifications to the user.

2012-08-02

20120196565

NETWORK TOOLS FOR ANALYSIS, DESIGN, TESTING, AND PRODUCTION OF SERVICES - Various embodiments are disclosed for a services policy communication system and method. In some embodiments, a network device publishes a test service profile to a group of communications devices, in which the test service profile provides for beta testing of the test service profile for a service on a network, and the test service profile includes service policy settings; and monitors use of the service by the group of communications devices based on the test service profile.

2012-08-02

20120196566

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING QOS-BASED SERVICE IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A method and an apparatus for providing a Quality of Service (QoS)-based service in a wireless communication system are provided. The method includes providing a Mobile Station (MS) with at least one QoS plan indicating a price policy for a QoS acceleration service having a higher QoS than a default QoS designated for a user of the MS in response to a request from the MS, providing the MS with an authorized token and a QoS quota based on a selected QoS plan in response to a purchase request of the MS, providing the MS with service contents selected by the user through a radio bearer for the QoS acceleration service, notifying the MS, if a usage of the QoS acceleration service reaches a threshold, of an impending expiration of the QoS acceleration service, and notifying the MS of the expiration of the QoS acceleration service.

2012-08-02

20120196567

Mobile Communication Device Providing Communication Pathway Determination Assistance - A system and method in a mobile communication device for providing assistance to a user in determining a communication pathway. A system may comprise processor-executable instructions, that when executed by a processor, cause a mobile communication device that supports a communication type over multiple networks to access availability information stored in a remote database for determining available networks among the multiple networks for performing the communication type, determine the available networks using the availability information, provide user assistance for determining a selected network among the available networks for the communication type, and perform the communication type using the selected network.

2012-08-02

20120196568

System and Method for Locating a Mobile Subscriber Terminal When Roaming - A home network of a mobile subscriber accesses a mapping of mobile switching centers to their physical locations and uses this mapping to locate a mobile subscriber when the mobile subscriber roams out of his or her home network and registers with one of these mobile switching centers. The location of the mobile subscriber may be used to authorize a transaction initiated by the mobile subscriber or to authenticate the mobile subscriber when signing into secure accounts.

2012-08-02

20120196569

Subscriber Identity Module Provisioning - The exemplary embodiments of the invention include inputting, at a device, a voucher having a plurality of data fields, where the voucher provides provisional subscriber identification for the device, sending at least some of the voucher data fields to a network operator, based on the sent information, receiving a software based subscriber identity module, and using the software based subscriber identity module to authenticate the device. Further, the exemplary embodiments include receiving a voucher having a plurality of data fields from a device, where the voucher provides provisional subscriber identification for the device, in response to the voucher code, sending to the device a request for additional information, in response to the request, receiving an additional data field of the voucher and a security identifier of the device, and based on validating the additional information using the security identifier, sending a software based subscriber identity module to the device.

2012-08-02

20120196570

Terminal Identifiers in a Communications Network - A method and apparatus for allocating an identifier to a terminal in a communications network. A core network controlling node, such as a Mobility Management Entity (MME) receives an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) from the terminal. Subscription information is determined using both the IMSI and the IMEI. A temporary identifier that can be used to identify the terminal is then allocated to the subscription information.

2012-08-02

20120196571

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOTELY-INITIATED AUDIO COMMUNICATION - Mobile devices typically have some form of audio capabilities designed to be operated by the device's user, for example to place phone calls; however, if a device is misplaced or stolen, the user may wish to operate those audio capabilities remotely. Techniques are provided for determining when an audio transmission should be established between a device and one or more clients, and sending a command to initiate the audio transmission. The determination may be based on receiving a request from a client, detecting at a server that the device is lost or stolen, or detecting at the device that the device is missing. The audio transmission may be established without user intervention at the device or in response to user action at the portable electronic device. Device settings such as audio settings at the device may be overridden in connection with the audio transmission.

2012-08-02

20120196572

Identity Blocking Service From a Wireless Service Provider - Identity-blocking services are provided. The current physical location of a mobile device may be disclosed to a third party without sending any identity information of the mobile subscriber to the third party. Blocking of the mobile subscriber's identity may be desirable for privacy reasons, to comply with a government regulation, or to implement a telecommunication service option selected by the mobile subscriber.

2012-08-02

20120196573

MOBILE DEVICE, AND SECURITY LOCK CONTROL METHOD AND PROGRAM THEREOF - Provided are a mobile device and a security lock control method and program for this device, by which, while time and effort of a user at the time of user authentication can be reduced, unauthorized use and incorrect operation can be effectively prevented. A combination of touch operations such as touch, drag, release, tap, flick, and the like entered onto a touch panel by a user is specified whole a security lock processing module is in a state where the security lock function is on, the specified combination of touch operations is collated with a combination indicated by preset authentication information, and when they match, the security lock function is released.

2012-08-02

20120196574

EXTENDED CALL HANDLING FUNCTIONALITY USING MULTI-NETWORK SIMULCASTING - A method and apparatus supporting the handling of calls using simulcasting of multimedia information are disclosed. Multimedia information exchanged by an associated access device and a gateway. The access device may request for the multimedia information to be recorded during a call, request retrieval of the multimedia information, and playback the multimedia information. The gateway may store the received multimedia information locally or may communicate the multimedia information to storage. The gateway may cause a user of the access device to be notified of the availability of multimedia information for a recorded call, and may communicate the multimedia information to the access device for playback. A user may be notified if storage and bandwidth for the recording of a call is not available.

2012-08-02

20120196575

COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING MESSAGE INFORMATION WHEN RECEIVING A CALL - Disclosed is a method of displaying message information associated with a message when receiving a call at a device comprising: receiving the call at the device from a caller; receiving caller information at the device in association with the call; automatically retrieving from storage, in response to receiving the caller information, at least one message, the at least one message comprising text content; and automatically displaying on a display screen message information associated with the at least one message.

2012-08-02

20120196576

Systems, Methods, And Computer Readable Media For Providing Information Related To Virtual Environments To Wireless Devices - Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are disclosed for providing information related to virtual environments. One such method includes receiving user input identifying an event related to the virtual environment for which a notification is to be provided to a mobile wireless communication device. User input is also received identifying an output to be provided by the mobile wireless communication device in response to receipt of the notification. A determination is then made that the event related to the virtual environment has occurred. In response to determining that the event occurred, the mobile wireless communication device is provided with the notification, and the output identified by the user input is provided by the mobile wireless communication device.

2012-08-02

20120196577

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING BOOK-RELATED ACTIVITIES - Systems and methods are provided for monitoring book-related activities. One embodiment includes a book activity monitoring system that generates alerts to users for alarming activities relating to various uses of electronic books. In addition, the exemplary system comprises using a camera at the front side and the back side to capture images of the reader. Further, after the creation of the snapshot, monitoring alert may be generated to notify the user, allowing the user to create annotated versions of the electronic book.

2012-08-02

20120196578

COMMUNICATION DEVICE FOR ESTABLISHING CALL BACK - A mobile communication device is provided for enabling a user to establish an automated call back from a communication system, such as a call center, for example. A software device application enables the mobile communication device to communicate with the call center through the exchange of data. The mobile communication device includes a display screen for displaying controls for allowing the user to interact with the communication system. The controls allow the user to request a list of providers from which to select a provider or company to contact. The mobile communication device further provides controls for allowing the user to select a queue to join from a list of queues associated with the selected provider.

2012-08-02

20120196579

Method and Apparatus for Distributed Data Transfer Over Multiple Independent Wireless Networks - Embodiments of the invention provide for methods and apparatus for fragmenting a single message and sending the message fragments over multiple independent networks to a single receiving unit. The receiving unit then reassembles the message fragments to generate the original message. One embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention is a wireless radio frequency modem that can both receive and transmit fragmented messages over multiple independent networks.

2012-08-02

20120196580

METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR TACTILE CALLER IDENTIFICATION IN HEARING-IMPAIRED COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS - Methods and apparatuses for indicating an incoming call on a portable communication device are disclosed. A calling connection indicator is captured from an incoming call. An identified entry is selected from a caller identification list comprising one or more entries, wherein each of the entries is associated with a contact of a user of the portable communication device and includes one or more connection indicators for the contact and a tactile pattern for the contact. The identified entry is selected by matching the calling connection indicator to one of the one or more connection indicators. A tactile pattern is generated for the portable communication device. The tactile pattern includes a predefined tactile pattern associated with the identified entry in the caller identification list or a default tactile pattern if the calling connection indicator does not correlate to any of the connection indicators in the caller identification list.

2012-08-02

20120196581

Caller Identification Using Social Network Information - In one embodiment, a social networking system determines a user identifier of a caller placing a call to a receiving user based on the call's phone number, accesses one or more data stores for information associated with the caller, and present to the receiving user the information associated with the caller.

2012-08-02

20120196582

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONFIGURING CALLER IDENTIFICATION MULTIMEDIA CONTENTS - A method and apparatus for configuring caller identification multimedia contents, in which a caller identification multimedia contents providing server is requested to search for the caller identification multimedia contents. The caller identification multimedia contents providing server is requested to select a callee device which is to receive the caller identification multimedia contents. The caller identification multimedia contents providing server is requested to transmit the caller identification multimedia contents to the callee device.

2012-08-02

20120196583

VEHICLE-MOUNTED DEVICE - A vehicle-mounted device includes: a phone book acquiring section for acquiring a phone book data of a portable device via a communication section; a manipulation section for rejecting an arrival of a call at a call section; a specification section for specifying a mail address of the opposite party from which the arrival of a call is rejected by the manipulation section with reference to the phone book data; and a call-rejected party mail-reception notification suppressing section for suppressing the notification of reception of an E-mail from the mail address specified by the specification section to the vehicle-mounted device.

2012-08-02

20120196584

Arrangement and Method for Controlling Service Activation on a Mobile Terminal - An arrangement and method in a wireless communication network provides users with full control of service management, defines how a user can enter or leave services, and defines dependencies between services. A mobile terminal initiates establishment of a group and creates a unique groupID. The terminal sends invitations to other terminals to join the group and includes the unique groupID and a service feature tag for a desired service. The terminal will not request a service if it is incompatible with a service already running. Terminals that receive invitations store the groupID and service feature tags. These parameters are used to send acceptances or rejections, and to join later or leave a service.

2012-08-02

20120196585

Global Automatic Cellular Provisioning - The described method and system provide for the provisioning of a telematics unit on a telematics-equipped vehicle with cellular service information without pre-loading the information during manufacture of the vehicle or telematics unit. A telematics unit may be manufactured without cellular service information (e.g. MIN, MDN, carrier information) pre-loaded. At the vehicle assembly plant where the telematics unit is installed on a vehicle, the assembly plant's programming system may determine the final country destination for the vehicle and program the destination of the vehicle into the telematics unit. The assembly plant may further obtain vehicle attribute data (including a cellular identifier for the telematics unit) and send the data to a TSP. The TSP may then work with the wireless carrier in the destination country to assign the telematics unit a phone number and other cellular service information. After the telematics unit has determined that the vehicle is at the destination, the telematics unit may connect to a network using cellular commands to request an “over-the-air” cellular programming session. The wireless carrier may then push a phone number and other cellular service information into the telematics unit through the over-the-air cellular programming session.

2012-08-02

20120196586

TRANSFERRING CONTENT TO A MOBILE DEVICE - In general, apparatuses, methods and computer program products for transferring content to a mobile device are disclosed. Particularly, a system is disclosed that provides for pushing content from an external apparatus such as an automated teller machine (ATM), smart poster, contactless payment terminal, etc. to a mobile device or allowing the mobile device to pull such content from the external apparatus. The content may include one or more coupons, ads, or offers, images, financial receipts, account-related documentation, a reissued card, a new card, a prepaid card, or the like.

2012-08-02

20120196587

Methods And Apparatus For Use In Switching User Account Data And Operations Between Two Different Mobile Communication Devices - A host server is configured to switch communications associated with an account between first and second mobile devices. The server stores a mapping of the account to a first PIN which identifies the first mobile device, and communicates messages via a wireless network based on the stored mapping using the first PIN for data synchronization therebetween. The server then receives a request for device switching. In response, the server switches the mapping of the account to a second PIN which identifies a second mobile device, and communicates messages via the wireless network based on the switched stored mapping using the second PIN for data is synchronization therebetween. The mapping of the account to the first PIN may be maintained even after switching the stored mapping to the second PIN, for a subsequent request for switching back to the first mobile device for the account.

2012-08-02

20120196588

COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL PREFERENCES - Systems and methods for the management of communications related to telecommunications-based devices are provided. Telecommunications-based devices initiate requests to gateway computing devices corresponding to a radio communication network to establish data communications. The gateway computing device accepts the communication request and specifies an ordered preference of one or more communication protocols that will be used telecommunications-based devices accessing the wireless communication network. The telecommunications-based device processes the acceptance and selects a communication protocol from the ordered preference provided by the gateway computing device.

2012-08-02

20120196589

METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR NOISE FLOOR ESTIMATION - In a method of complexity reduced noise floor estimation in a wireless communications system, determining, for a respective of at least a subset of a plurality of power grid points /c, a product of complementary cumulative distribution functions, each such function corresponding to a respective of a plurality j of provided wideband power measure estimates Ln a sliding window, and determining, for each of said at least subset of power grid points, a probability distribution function of a minimum of said plurality of wideband power measure estimates based on said determined product.

WIRELESS NETWORK ELEMENT AND METHOD FOR ANTENNA ARRAY CONTROL - A wireless network element is operably couplable to an antenna array for communicating with at least one remote wireless communication unit. The antenna array comprises a plurality of radiating elements where at least one first radiating element of the plurality of radiating elements is arranged to create a radiation pattern in a sector of a communication cell. The wireless network element comprises a receiver arranged to receive and process at least one signal from the at least one remote wireless communication unit via the at least one first radiating element. The wireless network element also comprises a beam scanning module for stepping/sweeping the radiation pattern through the sector of the communication cell, such that at least one signal from the at least one remote wireless communication unit is processed to identify signal parameters representative of incoming signal power and angle of arrival of the received at least one signal.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING A CHANNEL STATE WHEN RECEIVING SYSTEM INFORMATION ON A NEIGHBORING CELL IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a method for receiving system information on a neighboring cell by means of a terminal in a wireless communication system, the method comprising the steps of receiving a system information read command for a neighboring cell from a serving cell over a certain period of time; ending communication with the serving cell, and reading system information from the adjacent cell; and relaying the system information to the serving cell after the certain period of time elapses, wherein a reference signal from the adjacent cell is received over the certain period of time to measure a channel state value. If the channel state value is reduced to a preset value or less, a further step may comprise ending the reading of the system information.

2012-08-02

20120196594

Multicast Optimization and Aggregation in an Enterprise Controller - A method and apparatus are provided for managing radio access point (RAP) devices and enterprise controller devices in a wireless communication network. An enterprise controller device registers with a gateway device, and the enterprise controller device receives a registration request from multiple RAP devices that are serviced by the enterprise controller device. As the RAP devices register with the enterprise controller device, the enterprise controller device generates a list of the RAP devices registered with the enterprise controller. As the enterprise controller receives additional registration requests from additional RAP devices, the enterprise controller updates the list. The enterprise controller sends the list to the gateway device with which it registers so that the gateway device is aware of RAP devices serviced by the enterprise controller device. In this way, aggregated messages may be sent from the gateway device to the enterprise controller.

2012-08-02

20120196595

BROADCAST AREA IDENTIFICATION - Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for receiving content available for consumption. For example, in one embodiment, an electronic device can provide location information to a management server. The management server can then determine the appropriate broadcast area for the electronic device based at least in part on the location information.

2012-08-02

20120196596

BROADCAST AREA IDENTIFICATION - Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for receiving content available for consumption. For example, in one embodiment, an electronic device can provide location information to a management server. The management server can then determine the appropriate broadcast area for the electronic device based at least in part on the location information.

2012-08-02

20120196597

COMBINED BASE TRANSCEIVER STATION AND BASE STATION CONTROLLER OPTIMIZED ASSIGNMENT OF FRAME OFFSETS - A system, method, and computer readable medium for managing an availability of a call agent, comprising acquiring a session identification by a basestation (BS) and a call agent (CA), wherein the BS is coupled to the CA, if the CA's state is changed from an active state to a standby state, requesting a new connection with the BS; and after the new connection is established between the CA and the BS, sending another session identification from the CA to the BS.

2012-08-02

20120196598

COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A communication system is described in which mobile telephones are able to roam between neighbouring home node base stations. Techniques are described for allocating U-RNTIs to mobile telephones by the home base stations or the home base station gateway. Techniques are also disclosed for target home base stations to be able to retrieve information needed to respond to a Cell Update request received from a mobile telephone.

2012-08-02

20120196599

AREA-BASED ACCESS CONTROL METHOD FOR TERMINALS WHICH CARRY OUT M2M COMMUNICATIONS IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A regional access control method is provided in a Mobility Management Entity (MME) for network access for a User Equipment (UE) that performs Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication. An access request message and location information of the UE are received from a base station. The access request message is transmitted to the MME in response to reception of the access request message at the base station from the UE. A location of the UE that is determined based on the location information of the UE, is registered in a Home Subscriber Server (HSS). An allowed list of the UE is obtained from the HSS. It is determined whether the location information of the UE is registered in the allowed list.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING A SERVER WHICH SHOULD RESPOND TO A SERVICE REQUEST - A method for determining a server which should respond to a service request from a mobile device, said method comprising: Generating a DNS request which comprises a URI to identify a service requested by said mobile device and in addition to the URI of the requested service an indication of the location of the mobile device; inserting into said DNS request a keyword, which identifies said service DNS request as being a service which is enabled for service migration; forwarding said DNS request to a DNS server; determining by said DNS server a most suitable server responding to said service request, said determination being based on the location of the mobile device as indicated by said indication of the location added to said URI; returning the address of said server which has been determined based on said location to said mobile device.

2012-08-02

20120196602

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HANDOVER MANAGEMENT IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK - A method for multiple preparation of target cells in a wireless communication network, for handover of a mobile terminal from a source cell to a target cell, includes providing a list of candidate target cells that meet given conditions (weak signal strength in uplink or downlink between mobile terminal and serving base station) and eventually statistics for their inclusion. At least some of the cells on the list are prepared for handover, while a cell included in the list that no longer meets the conditions is removed from it. Preparation of a cell for handover may be triggered when it is added to the list, or the signal strength between the source cell and the mobile terminal reduces below a threshold value, in uplink or in downlink. The handover preparation and the handover cancel procedures between eNodeBs as specified in LTE are used for this purpose.

2012-08-02

20120196603

MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A mobile communication system hybridly allows, in a case where an access group consisting of one or more user equipments and one or more base stations is registered, the base station included in the access group to have access in a closed mode from the user equipment included in the same access group and access in an open mode from a user equipment that is not included in the same access group, wherein a communication area of the base station in the open mode is identical to a communication area of the base station in the closed mode. This eliminates a communication area in which the base station serving as an access destination differs between the user equipment in the closed mode and the user equipment in the open mode.

2012-08-02

20120196604

PORTABLE TERMINAL - When it is appropriate to switch communication method, a portable terminal enables the notifying of a user of conditions. On the basis of visited network identification information acquired from a mobile communication system, the control section of the portable terminal displays a message on a display for alerting the user when there has been a switch in communication method from 3G to GSM. At this time, the change in visited country wherein the portable terminal is currently located is determined, and after displaying the message, the display of the message is suppressed until the visited country changes. That is, by only displaying the message when network switching occurs when changing the visited country and the visited network changes to a GSM network, alerts are prevented from being displayed more than necessary.

2012-08-02

20120196605

Transfer of Sessions for Femtocells to Macro Mobile Networks - A method, server and computer program product is provided for transferring a session from a femtocell to a macromobile network. A request to transfer the session from the femtocell to a macromobile network is received. The request is translated into a format used by the macromobile network to receive session set-up requests and the translated request is provided to the macromobile network.

2012-08-02

20120196606

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ADVANCED CALL FORWARDING FUNCTIONALITY - The disclosed embodiments include a method of determining a particular communications device to signal in order to contact a user associated with an organization. The method includes storing a plurality of device locations in memory. Each device location is associated with a facility of the organization and is also associated with one of a plurality of communications devices. The method includes receiving a current location of a wireless device associated with the user, comparing the received current location and one or more of the device locations, and determining the distance between the current location and the one or more of the device. The method involves selecting the particular communications device to signal from the plurality of communications devices in response to the determined distance. A ring signal is sent to the particular communications device in order to contact the user associated with the organization.

2012-08-02

20120196607

CHANNEL INFORMATION FEEDBACK REDUCTION IN COMMUNICATION NETWORK - Techniques are disclosed for reducing channel information feedback in communication networks. For example, a method comprises the following steps. A set of mobile terminals and a set of base stations designated to participate in a coordinated multipoint transmission protocol in a communication network are identified. One or more unique downlink communication resource blocks are assigned to each designated mobile terminal that is located in a given first sector of a designated base station. As such, each designated mobile terminal in the first sector of the designated base station: (i) performs a channel state estimation process in response to respective signals received from the designated base stations in the one or more unique downlink communication resource blocks assigned to that designated mobile terminal; and (ii) transmits resulting channel state information back to at least one of the designated base stations.

2012-08-02

20120196608

NETWORK ACCESS METHOD FOR M2M DEVICE AND BASE STATION USING THE SAME - Network access methods for M2M device, M2M devices and base stations using the same methods are proposed. The proposed method allows M2M devices to perform random access process in the synchronous random access channel when the RTD information to the preferred base station is available. In another embodiment, the base station determines mobility type of a M2M device, determines a dedicated random access channel allocation for the M2M device according to the mobility type of the M2M device, and sends a paging message indicating the dedicated random access channel allocation.

2012-08-02

20120196609

Systems, Methods, and Apparatuses for Facilitating Allocation of a Common Resource to a Terminal - Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for facilitating allocation of a common resource to a terminal. A method may include transmitting one or more inbound packet data units including an indication of a category of a terminal and an indication of an identity of the terminal to a network node responsible for managing allocation of a common resource to the terminal. The method may further include receiving an absolute grant of a portion of the common resource to the terminal, wherein the absolute grant is issued by the network node based at least in part upon the transmitted indication of the category of the terminal. Corresponding systems and apparatuses are also provided.

2012-08-02

20120196610

SUPPORTING MULTIPLE SUBSCRIBER IDENTITIES IN A PORTABLE DEVICE USING A SINGLE TRANSCEIVER - According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method and technique for enabling wireless communications for multiple numbers or subscriber identities using a single transceiver is disclosed. The method includes, for a terminal device including a transceiver for wireless communications, determining whether the terminal device supports a plurality of subscriber identities. The method also includes, responsive to determining that the terminal device supports a plurality of subscriber identities, creating a plurality of recurrent time slots for a communication channel of the terminal device, allocating for each subscriber identity a respective time slot, and enabling wireless communications for the plurality of subscriber identities using the respective time slots via the transceiver.

2012-08-02

20120196611

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT IN HETEROGENEOUS WIRELESS ACCESS NETWORK EMPLOYING BAND SELECTIVE POWER MANAGEMENT - A system and method for enhancing the performance in heterogeneous wireless access networks employing a distributed antenna system is disclosed. A control unit comprises a distributed antenna system management server which collects load information from each of the carriers. The control unit further comprises a power management decision engine which determines the optimal downlink transmission power level for the carriers based on the collected load information and a set of parameters related to the power for the carriers. Power levels may decrease to baseline parameters when the load on carriers decreases.

2012-08-02

20120196612

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR RANK ADAPTATION - The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for rank self-adaptation. The method comprises: a base station receiving ranks reported by a user equipment via a rank receiving window, determining a rank at the current moment based on a distribution state of each rank in the rank receiving window at the current moment, and determining the number of independent channels used for sending downstream data to the user equipment based on the rank at the current moment. The present invention can reasonably forecast change of ranks of MIMO channels so as to better use MIMO channel resources to perform data transmission and improve the throughput rate of the MIMO channels.

2012-08-02

20120196613

FREQUENCY BAND CLASS CONTROL FOR A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE - In a wireless communication system, a wireless access node provides a wireless communication service to wireless communication devices over a first frequency band class and over a second frequency band class. A control system identifies a subset of the wireless communication devices operating over the first frequency band class that have been in an idle mode for a time period that exceeds a threshold. The wireless access node transfers a signal to the subset of the wireless communication devices to transition from the first frequency band class to the second frequency band class. The wireless access node then provides the wireless communication service to at least some of the subset of the wireless communication devices over the second frequency band class.

2012-08-02

20120196614

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR UNIFIED MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNICATION EVENTS - A method and system for providing unified management of communication events. The method comprises receiving a communication message in a first format, converting the communication message to a generic message, determining one or more message destinations based on a set of routing rules, determining one or more message formats based on the determined destinations, converting the generic message into a converted message, and transmitting the converted message to the one or more determined destinations. The generic message is stored in a destination agnostic format. The converted message is stored in the one or more message formats associated with the one or more determined destinations.

2012-08-02

20120196615

TRANSFER AND MODIFICATION OF LOCATION RELATED DATA DURING AN ONGOING LOCATION SESSION - Techniques are disclosed for enabling wireless communication with the capability of modifying assistance data and/or location information. A first transaction is used to define location related data for transferring between a location server and a mobile device. A second transaction is used to transfer the location related data between the location server and the mobile device. A third transaction is used to modify the location related data for transferring between the location server and the mobile device.

Method for Acquiring Adjacent eNB Information and Mobile Management Entity - A method for acquiring the neighbour E-UTRAN Node B (eNB) information is disclosed, and the method includes: in the process of the eNB setting up an S1 interface connection with a mobile management entity (MME), the MME sends the information of the global eNB ID and the tracking area identity (TAI) of the neighbour eNB of said eNB to said eNB; said eNB receives and acquires the information of the global eNB ID and TAI of the neighbour eNB. The corresponding MME is also provided. With the scheme of the present invention, the information of this eNB and the neighbour eNB can be acquired; and the X2 interface connection can be set up in time by acquiring information of the neighbour eNB through a MME configuration update.

2012-08-02

20120196618

FLEET MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD EMPLOYING MOBILE DEVICE MONITORING AND RESEARCH - Systems, apparatuses and methods for monitoring wireless communication performance. A fleet of moving vehicles equipped with communication devices communicate data call records, including a geographic location of the vehicle when the communication was attempted, to a central office. Indications of successful and unsuccessful call record communications attempts are aggregated by geographic area using the geographic location data from the vehicles. Call success rate levels for the geographic areas are determined based on the aggregated indications of successful and unsuccessful call record communication attempts. These levels may be presented on geographical maps or otherwise, and/or used for network analysis purposes.

2012-08-02

20120196619

SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR LOCATING MOBILE DEVICES USING LOCATION AND PRESENCE INFORMATION - A location based service and method configured to provide recovery assistance for a misplaced or stolen mobile device. The location based system and method is configured to locate (recover) high value mobile devices using location, presence and other IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) based telecommunications network assets. The method includes leveraging location dips performed for other services to drive a recovery process for a mobile device to thereby reduce resource overhead on a location platform; locating the mobile device using the location dips performed for other services; and sending a notification to a subscriber of the location of the mobile device for recovery of the mobile device.

Estimation of Position Using WLAN Access Point Radio Propagation Characteristics in a WLAN Positioning System - A method for estimating position using WLAN access point radio propagation characteristics in a WLAN location based service is provided. A location-based services system has a plurality of Wi-Fi access points in a target area. The Wi-Fi access points are positioned at geographic locations and have signal coverage areas. A method of characterizing at least one of the Wi-Fi access points comprises determining the geographic location of the Wi-Fi access point, dividing the signal coverage area of the Wi-Fi access point into at least one section, and determining radio propagation characteristics for each section. The radio propagation characteristics of each section characterize a radio channel of the Wi-Fi access point, and the characterization can be used in a location algorithm.

2012-08-02

20120196622

RADIO NAVIGATION - Methods and systems for estimating the position of a radio signal receiver are described. The position of a first stationary radio signal transmitter is estimated using a primary set of positioning resources available to the receiver. Once the position of the first transmitter has been determined, it is added to a secondary set of positioning resources available to the receiver. If the primary set of positioning resources is ineffectual, the secondary set of positioning resources may be used to estimate the position of the receiver.

2012-08-02

20120196623

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING INCLINCATION OF SLOPES WITH RESPECT TO FIXED DIRECTIONS - Systems and methods are provided for measuring inclination of slopes given their locations with respect to fixed directions. One embodiment includes a system for measuring inclination of slopes given their locations with respect to fixed directions. The system further includes using modules including accelerometers, compassing devices, and mobile phones. The disclosed accelerometers are configured to measure an angle of orientation, wherein the angle represents the current angle of orientation the mobile phone with respect to gravity. Also, the compassing device is configured to detect current direction of which the mobile phone is oriented, with respect to earth's North Pole.

2012-08-02

20120196624

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REPORTING LOCATION OF MOBILE STATION IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A method and an apparatus for reporting location information of a Mobile Station (MS) through a ranging procedure in a wireless communication system are provided. A Base Station (BS) transmits, to the MS, partition information representing a plurality of partition regions constituting the BS cell coverage. Upon receiving from the MS a ranging code belonging to one ranging code subset among a plurality of ranging code subsets corresponding to the plurality of partition regions based on the partition information, the BS determines location information of the MS depending on the partition region corresponding to the ranging code subset to which the received ranging code belongs, making it possible to notify the network of the MS's location information without the need to define a separate signaling procedure.

2012-08-02

20120196625

MOBILE ALERTING NETWORK - A Mobile Alert Network service includes identifying an Alert Area related to an Event Location, identifying a group of subscribers in the Alert Area, and broadcasting an Alert Message to the identified subscribers in a push-to-talk-equivalent environment. The Alert Messages can alert the subscribers about the cause of the alert, offer message related choices, and offer event related choices, such as promotion information or offers. The MAN Service may include an Alert Information Service, a Subscriber Selector, and a Broadcast Module to generate an Alert Message. The event related choices may be generated based on campaigns by Promotional Agents. A wrapper can be downloaded to manage Alert Messages, a mailbox, and to update on board applications. A on-board logger can provide a detailed account of the operations of the handset and its user. A Sensor Array can be used to determine the location of users, based on the self-identification information, broadcast by the cell phones.

2012-08-02

20120196626

MOBILE VALET - A system provides location-based services through an enhanced mobile device. The system determines a current location of the mobile device, and determines whether the current location of the mobile device falls within one or more geographic regions defined in a database. If the current location falls within one or more of the geographic regions, the system identifies services available within the one or more geographic regions that the mobile device is determined to be within. The system generates a customized menu based on the identified services and displays the customized menu on the mobile device.

2012-08-02

20120196627

MESSAGING - A device for transmitting a message for reception by another device, comprising: a processor for adding location information to the message, before transmission, wherein the location information identifies an area within which the message is to be hosted for reception by the other device; and a transmitter for transmitting the message, with the location information.

2012-08-02

20120196628

MOTION ADAPTIVE COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE AND INTEGRATED CIRCUITS FOR USE THEREWITH - A circuit includes a package substrate that supports an on-chip gyrating circuit that generates a motion parameter based on motion of the circuit. The package substrate further supports a die that supports a processing module that processes the motion parameter to produce motion data, wherein the processing module further generates a receive control signal and a transmit control signal in accordance with the motion data. The die further supports a wireless local area network transceiver that generates an outbound RF signal that includes outbound data and that generates voice inbound data from an inbound RF signal, wherein the wireless local area network transceiver is further operable to adjust a receive parameter based on the receive control signal and to adjust a transmit parameter in response to the transmit control signal.

2012-08-02

20120196629

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING COMMUNICATIONS - In one embodiment, a method provides for monitoring and analyzing communications of a monitored user on behalf of a monitoring user, to determine whether the communication includes a violation. For example, SMS messages, MMS messages, IMs, e-mails, social network site postings or voice mails of a child may be monitored on behalf of a parent. In one embodiment, an algorithm is used to analyze a normalized version of the communication, which algorithm is retrained using results of past analysis, to determine a probability of a communication including a violation.

2012-08-02

20120196630

ALPHANUMERIC KEYPAD ARRANGEMENT FOR HANDHELD DEVICES - A mobile device including: a display for displaying information; a processor for controlling software and firmware operation; a keypad for entering data to the processor comprising an array of alpha keys for alpha data entry and an array of numeric keys for numeric data entry, wherein entry of alpha data does not require use of numeric keys and numeric data does not require use of alpha keys, the keypad comprising: a first cell of alpha keys to be actuated by the left thumb of an operator, the first cell of alpha keys comprised of more than one essentially linear row of alpha keys; a second cell of alpha keys to be actuated by the right thumb of an operator, the second cell of alpha keys comprised of more than one essentially linear row of alpha keys.

2012-08-02

20120196631

Bicycle Rental System - A bicycle rental system comprising: a bicycle storage station comprising bicycle stands for supporting and locking bicycles, each bicycle stand including a lock configured to open at receipt of a command signal, a portable communication device configured for sending a control message representing a specific bicycle stand and the portable communication device, and a central computer. The central computer includes a registry with stored registration data representing the specific bicycle stand and the portable communication device, the central computer being configured for: receiving the control message, comparing the control message with the stored registration data for identifying the portable communication device, and subsequently sending a command signal to the bicycle stand for unlocking the stand.